Susan's Place Transgender Resources

The domain for Susan's has been hijacked by my former business partner who is trying to claim ownership of this domain. I am most likely going to have to hire a lawyer; and any help anyone can provide is appreciated!

Since 1996 the domain for the site showed Susan Larson as the registrant and as of today it now shows

Registrant Name:Registration Private
Registrant Organization:Domains By Proxy, LLC
Registrant Street: DomainsByProxy.com
Registrant Street: 14747 N Northsight Blvd Suite 111, PMB 309
Registrant City:Scottsdale
Registrant State/Province:Arizona
Registrant Postal Code:85260
Registrant Country:US
Registrant Phone:+1.4806242599
Registrant Phone Ext:
Registrant Fax: +1.4806242598
Registrant Fax Ext:
Registrant Email:SUSANS.ORG@domainsbyproxy.com

I did not authorize any changes to the domain.

This person I found out sent a email to a third party who has been trying to mediate this claiming that he has always owned this site, and that is not the case. I am on the verge of filing criminal charges.

Cindy call me asap.

Wow. That is messed up.

Susan, I forwarded this info to a well-connected attorney.   I'm imagining crushing an ant with a pile driver.

Thanks Jill feel free to get in touch with me on skype. It's pretty messed up I had been working through a third party trying to mend the breach, and he's been talking actively working to prevent that.

susan I hope this works out ok

In them doing this have they control over the server and all information?

In todays cyber crimes who would think.

No but they have control over the domain name server records which control how the web site is directed. The servers are sitting in the other room. If he changes those address he can shutdown the site at whim.

Jeeze, what is wrong with some people?

wow, I hope this gets straightened  out , not good to have to fight for your site

as much as we could know, they could be a member of the site and around

Quote from: Susan on January 05, 2015, 09:15:49 PM
Thanks Jill feel free to get in touch with me on skype. It's pretty messed up I had been working through a third party trying to mend the breach, and he's been talking actively working to prevent that.

My computer carbon dates to the late Jurassic period, so no Skype for me until next month when I finally get a new one.  Looks like email is our friend for the time being if we happen to go offline for a bit.

Why would someone want to hijack this site?

Quote from: TamarasWay on January 05, 2015, 09:51:14 PM
Why would someone want to hijack this site?

Because they are a glutton for both civil and criminal penalties?

Quote from: Jill F on January 05, 2015, 09:55:22 PM
Because they are a glutton for both civil and criminal penalties?

That makes no sense at all.  My guess is that it is personal, or it is about money.

Quote from: TamarasWay on January 05, 2015, 10:00:00 PM
That makes no sense at all.  My guess is that it is personal, or it is about money.

That was snarkasm.

I hope you Sue the stuff out of this A-hole, I can't believe the audacity of some people

Stay strong dear friends

That's really awful. I hope you will get this sorted out. D:

OK all I have had a call with Sue and it is a mess but she is working through it as best as we can.

I'll call her again later when I get home from work.

And people - we will need money.

It's extortion plain and simple. He's made specific demands through a third party that I have to accede to in order to get the domain back :( This is gonna be expensive any way we look at it so if you can help this month, please. I was buying the bandwidth and stuff through him and so am going to have to establish my own services, and replace one server at a minimum.

The good news is that there is a body of law about this.  Not the first time someone has done this kind of thing, alas. 

I'm so sorry to hear this. Susan I'll help out in any way I can. I know a lil Law as it was my 2nd career choice, however the Internet was just getting started when I was in law school so not sure how much good I'll be. I'll try and do some research based on your post and see if I can come up with anything. You should have me on Skype if you need to talk. This does sound like extortion.

All my hopes!

Ally :icon_flower:

I'll send what I can on Friday or Saturday.   I needed an excuse to finally actually quit smoking anyway.

The place to start is by dealing with the current registrar - GoDaddy in this case. Email abuse@godaddy.com and explain that you are the actual owner and forward bills that show you have been paying for the domain. It might also be an idea to send the previous WHOIS information too (below)

Inform them that you will be taking legal steps if necessary and that you would rather sort this out amicably. I have found most registrars very helpful in these circumstances.

If you do the above before getting a lawyer involved, it will make the lawyers job a lot easier.

--- Archive WHOIS ---

Registrant Contact Information:
    Name: Susan Larson
    Organization: Susan's Place Transgender Resources
    <filtered>
    Email: susan@susans.org

Administrative Contact Information:
<filtered>

Technical Contact Information:
<filtered>

Information Updated: Mon, 5 Jan 2015 18:17:18 UTC

You will always have my support and if there is anything I can do let me known.  :police:

How does this constitute "domain hijacking"? It is my understanding that domain hijacking usually involves registering a new ip address for a given domain. That doesn't seem to have happened here. Since Susan clearly still has access to the server and its operation, I'm having a hard time understanding what has changed other than the registrant details which were presumably changed by the incumbent owner of the domain.

The person now in control of the domain can redirect it at any point shutting down the site if I do not agree to their demands.

QuoteThe person now in control of the domain can redirect it at any point shutting down the site if I do not agree to their demands.

But isn't this the same person who always had control of the domain?

Seems like the domain was not "hijacked", but rather the owner continued to charge you for use of the domain.

How is this arrangement any different from what you have been doing thus far? Isn't that where the donation and subscription money went for the past year?

Cathy the situation has changed and is quite fluid. There is a distinct possibility that the site may close for some time if the person controlling the domain decides to redirect it.
It's not in our interest to go into detail here at the moment.

Oh God.Hopefully the site doesn't go down,that's the only support many including I,receive.

That could be evidence against this site,Jo.

True
Sorry I'm just seeing red at the moment. Please forgive my earlier outburst.

No problem :)

Couldn't you just register something like susansplace.org and direct that to your server,  so if susans.org. Goes down, it will still be active on a new url, if you have the actual server? it would also show them that there is no chance of extorting money and make them more likely to leave you alone.  I have actually been caught in the middle of something similar and it was resolved without legal,  through the 3rd party service provider after a bit of backward and forwarding.

Wouldn't she lose all profiles and such

No,  all content is on the server,  whoever controls *that* really controls the site.  The domain name is just where you find it.

The site would remain unchanged, just the url would be different.  The problem though is that it would take some time for Google to catch up.

I had a friend who had to change URL's for his business.  It's a pain and should be avoided if possible, but it is an option.

It also sends a clear message: if you push this you are still not going to get anything as we will just change name.  If it were me I would register the second domain now and make a post that says "if susans.org goes down we will see you all at.... Org"  and sticky it. Then work on making sure the second domain works OK.

Quote from: kira21 ♡♡♡ on January 06, 2015, 06:07:14 PM
It also sends a clear message: if you push this you are still not going to get anything as we will just change name.  If it were me I would register the second domain now and make a post that says "if susans.org goes down we will see you all at.... Org"  and sticky it. Then work on making sure the second domain works OK.

That's what I would do too. Rather than deal with some stupid douche nozzle.

Lets all calm down, Susan is very aware of the problem and is working to overcome it.

I don't think we are helping anyone in anyway with speculation. For practical reasons it is not something we want to go into public detail at the moment.

But if you can subscribe or donate it sure would help.

I agree,Cindy.

Quote from: Cindy on January 06, 2015, 07:18:50 PM
Lets all calm down, Susan is very aware of the problem and is working to overcome it.

I don't think we are helping anyone in anyway with speculation. For practical reasons it is not something we want to go into public detail at the moment.

But if you can subscribe or donate it sure would help.

I just donated a penny for every post I've ever made. Anyone up to the challenge?

Hugs, Devlyn

I have the servers in my possession. The name is how people find the site and it's the traffic and search engine position. Thanks Devlyn tears in my eyes right now.

Grapefruit got you right in the eye, huh?  :laugh:

Hugs, Devlyn

Just tossed you a few pennies too...should help pay for a lawyer for about five minutes.

That's the spirit!

Hugs, Devlyn

Quote from: Devlyn Marie on January 06, 2015, 07:35:05 PM
I just donated a penny for every post I've ever made. Anyone up to the challenge?

Absolutely.  Seeing as I'm still just "warming up" and haven't reached a particularly impressive five-figure post total, I threw in two pennies per post and then rounded up to the nearest sensible number.

Yays for rounding up, and you!

Hugs, Devlyn

I threw in $5 because that's really all I can afford at the moment... But it's something!

Yays because every little bit helps!

Hugs, Devlyn

Some others have stepped up too, yays for them!

I donated $25 Susan I wish I could give more, but I'm very tight for money right now.

Take care,
Paige :)

Yays for giving what you can!

Hugs, Devlyn

That's royally messed up, Susan! I hope it gets sorted.

I sent a small contribution to help out.

Woohoo! You rule!

Hugs, Devlyn

Donation sent.

Awesomeness!

Hugs, Devlyn

Thank you all. Contacted the bandwidth provider to establish my own service. It should go up the day he moves his out.

So what did they gain out of this other then giving you extra stress.

The site is only as good as the content.

I'm yet again confused. A few days ago it was all about "domain hijacking" and lawyering up because someone was holding the domain for ransom...and now it seems to be resolved by calling the bandwidth provider. You've asked for and received some generous donations but it sounds like you just switched the ISP account over. Can you please explain how this is different (financially) from how you were previously spending the money received from subscriptions and donations? Thanks!

Quote from: cathyrains on January 08, 2015, 08:11:16 AM
I'm yet again confused. A few days ago it was all about "domain hijacking" and lawyering up because someone was holding the domain for ransom...and now it seems to be resolved by calling the bandwidth provider. You've asked for and received some generous donations but it sounds like you just switched the ISP account over. Can you please explain how this is different (financially) from how you were previously spending the money received from subscriptions and donations? Thanks!

Hi Cathy,

As I understand it the former partner who hijacked the susans.org domain was also the bandwidth provider to Susan's servers.   I don't think anything has been resolved about the domain hijacking but Susan wants to keep the servers running while this dispute is going on.  To do this she is switching to another bandwidth provider and has registered a temporary domain as a work around in case susans.org is no longer pointed at her servers.   The alternate domain is gendersupport.org.

This is how I read the posts anyway.
Paige :)

Quote from: cathyrains on January 08, 2015, 08:11:16 AM
I'm yet again confused. A few days ago it was all about "domain hijacking" and lawyering up because someone was holding the domain for ransom...and now it seems to be resolved by calling the bandwidth provider. You've asked for and received some generous donations but it sounds like you just switched the ISP account over. Can you please explain how this is different (financially) from how you were previously spending the money received from subscriptions and donations? Thanks!

Susan has explained that she is trying to recoup almost two decades of operating the site out of pocket: https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,145185.0.html

Donations are completely voluntary, no one has to make one. I really don't care how Susan uses the money, and frankly, neither should you.

Is there a way to donate by sending a check?

Quote from: cathyrains on January 08, 2015, 08:11:16 AM
I'm yet again confused. A few days ago it was all about "domain hijacking" and lawyering up because someone was holding the domain for ransom...and now it seems to be resolved by calling the bandwidth provider. You've asked for and received some generous donations but it sounds like you just switched the ISP account over. Can you please explain how this is different (financially) from how you were previously spending the money received from subscriptions and donations? Thanks!

she's doing what needs to be done to keep the site alive.

Domain hijacking is the equivalent of re-writing the yellow pages to say that your phone number is pizza hut's when your not actually pizza hut. What susan has done is the equivalent of changing the phone number. The person that is in control of the metaphorical yellow pages could change this site's "phone number" to theirs in an instant. That would mean that this site wouldn't work under susans.org. However we could get to it if we knew the IP address.

Quote from: cathyrains on January 08, 2015, 08:11:16 AM
I'm yet again confused. A few days ago it was all about "domain hijacking" and lawyering up because someone was holding the domain for ransom...and now it seems to be resolved by calling the bandwidth provider. You've asked for and received some generous donations but it sounds like you just switched the ISP account over. Can you please explain how this is different (financially) from how you were previously spending the money received from subscriptions and donations? Thanks!

StephanieC, Devlyn, and Paige have the situation down accurately. I can't go into details until this is all over.

I have sent Cathy a reminder of the no more games post.

Quote from: Susan on November 30, 2014, 09:34:16 PM
If you don't like this web site, these forums, it's owner and operator, and/or the policies it operates under just leave.

If you come here and even suggest that you are not happy being here I will remove you. If you even think about violating Rule 2, I will remove you. If you attempt to troll me or anyone else I will remove you. I don't care if I end up having to ban all 15,000 people who are currently a member on these forums. I am done being nice about it.

Don't go away mad, just go away.

(https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php?action=dlattach;topic=178912.0;attach=29376;image)

I will state that this was done to get leverage over me. What am I losing a 19 year secure job with lousy hours, no benefits, no healthcare, no raises or cost of living increases in 15 years, and which paid like ->-bleeped-<- that I kept because part of the job was I got help with the hosting for Susan's. Now the person who made that deal my boss when I first started working with him and later business partner is using Susan's to take my part ownership of his company from me.

He denies that we ever had the agreement on hosting Susan's, and as a negotiating tactic he is denying that I ever owned Susan's domain and web site, but I can prove that my personal name was listed as the registrant on the domain for 19 years until the 5th of Jan this year. He's threatened to send me a bill for half his bandwidth costs for 19 years. Susan's never used half of his bandwidth. He also wants some of the hardware that belongs to me that some of his company has benefited from.

He is denying that I ever owned another business that I personally founded and later contributed as part of a partnership agreement to get part ownership of his company. His claim is now it was never mine to begin with. If I go away quietly and let him keep that business without a fight I can get Susan's back which is where we are at right now. Yes, I can get an attorney, go to court and risk the possibility that a judge will not agree with me since he paid many of the bills out of his account even though I paid him in full by working for him significantly under the prevailing wages for the job I was doing not to mention someone with 19 years of experience; or even force us to split it and Susan's.

I learned some hard lessons from this and the first one is get everything on paper. It's a lesson I won't need to learn a second time. In my defense this is a person I have known and trusted since 1995 when I founded Susan's. He was the second person I came out of the closet to. I trusted him implicitly and stupidly did not get things in writing. I thought he was the type of person who would never screw over a friend. I also allowed him to pay bills which in retrospect I should have insisted on paying my self. Domain registrations, hosting fees etc. It was standard in the company for him to handle the registrations for our customers on the companies Godaddy account, which is how he was able to change the ownership on the domain.

Let me explain something; think of where prices for anything was 15 years ago and where they are now. Could you live with what you were paid then? Not likely.

I had medical insurance, lost it. Didn't get any of the money that provided that benefit back in order to get coverage myself. I had to drop my HRT as I couldn't afford it, or the blood work and doctors visits. I think the choice at the time was eating and have a car in a city where a car is absolutely required or hormones. (->-bleeped-<-ty public transportation, very spread out, etc.) I made the choice to live. Since then my transition has been frozen sacrificed to ensure that I could continue to offer this web site. Something I will continue to do so some how even if I get no help from the members.

These donations are going to cover the expenses. It's not some game it's not some scam.

They will cover the rent where the servers are, they will cover the electricity, phone bill, water, and help me continue to eat until I can at least find a way to make up the income from my previous job. 

I appreciate everyone who has stepped up so far! I know there are some members who are unable to donate anything, believe me I can feel your pain and you bear no cause for shame. However, there are also members who could write a check or make a donation to cover all or part of a year's expenses single handedly without even feeling it,  and I would hope some of them would consider stepping up.

This is your chance to help this site to continue to save member lives. Millions of people visit this web site every year; over 7 million since 2006, and that doesn't include any of the visitors from 1996 to 2006. During the years I have ran the site I would estimate that 75-100 people have sent me letters telling me how this site being here was the thing that stopped them from killing themselves. Many of their stories are heart rending. This site has helped many others who have not said anything. 

This is what your donations accomplish. How it helps me or not is strictly secondary.

I know it's saved my life at least twice; Once when a friend told me they were going to kill themselves and there was nothing I could do about it, and when all this got dumped on me a few days after the new years, I will admit I was having some dark thoughts. The donations sent by the members who have stepped up so far have helped to banish them.

If we could get it to the point where it fully covers the expenses I could give 24x7 to improving the site. I have a lot of really cool features and things that I would like to do for you the members and it simply takes money and time. the New design, amazing new content, services, etc.

I figured that $50,000 would fund the operation of this site for a year.

That's not me getting $50,000 to spend however I like.  I won't be taking vacations on it. It goes cover the site expenses and would cover some of my expenses. Not one dime of profit.  I am not living high off the hog here I am sitting in a very tiny house I rent. The equipment for Susan's occupies two rooms including half of my kitchen, so it gets most of the space. My desk is in my living room which has just enough room for a loveseat, not even a full couch. I can walk from one end of the house to the other in under 15 steps

The site has been bringing in an average of $800, mixed evenly between donations and subscriptions.  I can budget the subscriptions.

So that's what's up and should clear up the FUD (Fear, Uncertainty, and Doubt) that Cathy has been trying to generate.

I know you say that we should feel no shame and I appreciate it, nevertheless, I do feel it. Until I can afford to help pay for this wonderful place all I can give you is my gratitude, which you most heartily have. If there is any way I can help short of giving you money I don't have right now don't hesitate to ask.

Dee
(For the life of me I don't see how you survive without HRT. I'd be a wreck.)

there's nothing wrong with fundraising to keep something that's beneficial running especially something  that's  very few  in existence that serves a very good purpose. PBS, Wikipedia, etc. and I sincerely doubt your living standards are on par with the corporate heads of PBS or even Wikipedia and the many other entities that try to serve a good purpose.

I ate a 39 cent beef pot pie for dinner last night :P

Susan, you don't owe anybody an explanation.  But for my next donation, I'll throw in an extra $10 specifically for the purpose of buying you a healthy, filling meal.

I'll echo Devlyn Marie's pledge - a penny per post for established users.  Or donate $5 when you hit 250 posts.  That's absolutely nothing to pay for such a valuable service.  (Jeez, if my therapist or my endo charged me a penny per question, my medical costs would be a fraction of what they really are.  This site offers the best advice for an incomparably low price.)  For those who can afford to donate $10 or $25 (which is what, a few coffees per month?), please do.  For those who can't afford anything right now, please remember this site when you can afford something in the future and donate at that time.

The internet isn't free - at least high-quality sites like this one.  I'm sure Susan could litter the site with banner ads and pop-ups (for lord knows what - I shudder to think of the inappropriate trash Google Ads would serve up to us here) if she chose, but that would ruin the pleasant, calming experience for everyone.  Or she could turn it into a site where subscriptions were mandatory, and while that wouldn't drive me away, it would certainly be a hardship for those who can't afford it.  Sometimes, we forget how good we have it here.

Ten bucks here and there really is nothing for the vast majority of us.  If this site went down for lack of funds or from the Administrators just getting sick of all the effort for negative return, I for one would be utterly lost.  Where else online does a place like this exist?  A well-moderated, intelligent, caring community for trans people?  Yup, that's right - it doesn't.  And if this site goes down, it's unlikely that another site will suddenly pop up where we could all go and continue on the fine work accomplished here on a daily basis.  It would be a sad day for the trans community.

Quote from: Dee Walker on January 08, 2015, 01:25:06 PM
I know you say that we should feel no shame and I appreciate it, nevertheless, I do feel it. Until I can afford to help pay for this wonderful place all I can give you is my gratitude, which you most heartily have. If there is any way I can help short of giving you money I don't have right now don't hesitate to ask.

Dee
(For the life of me I don't see how you survive without HRT. I'd be a wreck.)

Volunteering for a Staff position is another great way to help out, and it doesn't cost a dime.

Hugs, Devlyn

Quote from: Brenda E on January 08, 2015, 02:09:23 PM
Susan, you don't owe anybody an explanation.  But for my next donation, I'll throw in an extra $10 specifically for the purpose of buying you a healthy, filling meal.

I'll echo Devlyn Marie's pledge - a penny per post for established users.  Or donate $5 when you hit 250 posts.  That's absolutely nothing to pay for such a valuable service.  (Jeez, if my therapist or my endo charged me a penny per question, my medical costs would be a fraction of what they really are.  This site offers the best advice for an incomparably low price.)  For those who can afford to donate $10 or $25 (which is what, a few coffees per month?), please do.  For those who can't afford anything right now, please remember this site when you can afford something in the future and donate at that time.

The internet isn't free - at least high-quality sites like this one.  I'm sure Susan could litter the site with banner ads and pop-ups (for lord knows what - I shudder to think of the inappropriate trash Google Ads would serve up to us here) if she chose, but that would ruin the pleasant, calming experience for everyone.  Or she could turn it into a site where subscriptions were mandatory, and while that wouldn't drive me away, it would certainly be a hardship for those who can't afford it.  Sometimes, we forget how good we have it here.

Ten bucks here and there really is nothing for the vast majority of us.  If this site went down for lack of funds or from the Administrators just getting sick of all the effort for negative return, I for one would be utterly lost.  Where else online does a place like this exist?  A well-moderated, intelligent, caring community for trans people?  Yup, that's right - it doesn't.  And if this site goes down, it's unlikely that another site will suddenly pop up where we could all go and continue on the fine work accomplished here on a daily basis.  It would be a sad day for the trans community.

I agree with this.

The inter web is not free.

It is a huge business to the web domain companies.

Susan spent out of pocket for a web site to offer support to the community.

We go around most of our lives taking things for granted, just nothing in life or death is free.

Look at a cost of a funeral, someone has to pay for that.

Anyway I donated, I spend so much of my free time here to support a trans* umbrella dedicated website.

I finished my transition but I am still here because this site played a huge role in my early transition.

Thank you Susan and Staff along with everyone who spent hard earned money to help keep the servers up and running.

Quote from: Devlyn Marie on January 08, 2015, 02:11:45 PM
Volunteering for a Staff position is another great way to help out, and it doesn't cost a dime.

Hugs, Devlyn

What's open?

Hi Susan,

Just an idea but there are some very reputable doctors, therapists and other service providers that have made quite a bit of money from the transgender community here recommending them and giving positive reviews.  Yeson comes to mind as just one example.  How many newcomers quickly got a gender therapist after someone on susans suggested it?

Perhaps members that are closer to these service providers, might suggest to them to give a yearly donation that helps susans.org continue.  I would think this would be good for there business. 

Thanks for all your efforts Susan.  Your site has definitely kept me going.  I don't know what I would have done without this community.

Lots of love,
Paige :)

Quote from: Devlyn Marie on January 08, 2015, 02:11:45 PM
Volunteering for a Staff position is another great way to help out, and it doesn't cost a dime.

Hugs, Devlyn

I knew THIS was coming. Of course that's the implication of my post, however, I don't have the temperament to moderate. Just about anything else, though. Just thought I hadn't been around long enough to be trusted like that.

Quote from: Paige on January 08, 2015, 04:31:01 PM
Hi Susan,

Just an idea but there are some very reputable doctors, therapists and other service providers that have made quite a bit of money from the transgender community here recommending them and giving positive reviews.  Yeson comes to mind as just one example.  How many newcomers quickly got a gender therapist after someone on susans suggested it?

Perhaps members that are closer to these service providers, might suggest to them to give a yearly donation that helps susans.org continue.  I would think this would be good for there business. 

Thanks for all your efforts Susan.  Your site has definitely kept me going.  I don't know what I would have done without this community.

Lots of love,
Paige :)

Thats a real good idea but.

Yes there is a but.

It would or could be misconstrued as a endorsement.

That is something we do not here do.

We tell our experiences but do it under free will.

As said and i been on sites that do get paid advertising dollars for ads.

Susan has been footing the bills out of her own to keep that a option at bay.

How many others would do the same.

That's what makes Susan's  a enjoyable site to want to be family.

Personally i wish not to see ads but if it came down to closing the site i would accept the fact with out even one word of discontent.

Stay a family, be a family, respect the family, we all are family.

I better get out of here before I'm in trouble! The Admins are who you want to talk to. Not sure what's available, but the Wiki, News, Links, Chat, Minecraft, and Forum Staff takes a lot of people to run smoothly.

Quote from: Devlyn Marie on January 08, 2015, 02:11:45 PM
Volunteering for a Staff position is another great way to help out, and it doesn't cost a dime.

Hugs, Devlyn

I would be a mod or any staff any time asked.

It's rewarding. You know you're helping people.

I have to agree with Izzy here.   Notice that there are no advertisements here?  I'd prefer to keep it that way.  Lets face it, sites that are overrun with ads can be incredibly annoying.  The ads are often ugly, in your face, and in some cases make loading the page take ages.   I really hate it when I want to read an article and I have to sit through a 30 second commercial before I can read it.  There are sites I used to frequent, such as Epicurious and Huffington Post that I now avoid because of the ads.  I don't ever want to see someone at risk and on the brink turn away from here because of ads.

I have to see what's left after a significant tax payment due on the 15th, but rest assured I will donate more.

Quote from: Makenzie on January 08, 2015, 05:42:18 PM
I would be a mod or any staff any time asked.

I know Cindy is or was still looking for News Staff.

As for others go to the staff list and ask via there emails: Helen, Renate, Flan or Matthew if they need any help

Quote from: Devlyn Marie on January 08, 2015, 05:48:00 PM
It's rewarding. You know you're helping people.

plus you get those colorful badges under your name

Quote from: stephaniec on January 08, 2015, 05:57:26 PM
plus you get those colorful badges under your name

Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: For I wear the black badge of doom. Doom, I say!

Quote from: Devlyn Marie on January 08, 2015, 06:13:22 PM
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: For I wear the black badge of doom. Doom, I say!

That's so totally metal!  \m/  I think I need to write a song now called  "The Black Badge of Doom".  Got any more lyrics for me,  >:-) -yn?

Quote from: Jill F on January 08, 2015, 06:16:38 PM
That's so totally metal!  \m/  I think I need to write a song now called  "The Black Badge of Doom".  Got any more lyrics for me,  >:-) -yn?

I like how you spell my name! I got nothing, but steal away, I waive my rights to Black Badge of Doom!

I think I could get a position if only I had more posts :/

Quote from: Jill F on January 08, 2015, 06:16:38 PM
That's so totally metal!  \m/  I think I need to write a song now called  "The Black Badge of Doom".  Got any more lyrics for me,  >:-) -yn?

Whoa!!! When I first read that I thought it said "totally mental"  >:-)  Sounds like a good name for a song though

Quote from: mrs izzy on January 08, 2015, 05:35:05 PM
Personally i wish not to see ads but if it came down to closing the site i would accept the fact with out even one word of discontent.

Hi Mrs Izzy,

Sorry I didn't mean ads.  These service providers already get plenty of free honest promotion on this site.  What I meant to suggest was that some of us should mention to these people that they have an interest in keeping Susans running and should make donations with no strings attached.

Just a thought.
Paige :)

I am sorry to hear that Susan lost her job.  To me, this is perhaps the worst part of the bad news here. 

Unfortunately, that happened to me ages ago, so donating funds is not really an option because I don't have any either.  But if advertising became an option, I do know of a new FFS surgeon based in the District of Columbia who has been trying to build a trans* clientele and has been willing to sponsor events hereabouts.

  My transition expenses are severely jeopardizing my future retirement savings and have negated my work income for over a year.  By the time I'm through electrolysis and FFS this year I'll have spent in the neighborhood of $30,000 Canadian (likely more) over the past 2-1/2 years and GRS may end up off the table at least for a long time.  I'm really lucky to be in a living situation that has allowed me to spend this much and so quickly on transition however, so I donated what I can at the moment since I know every little bit counts.

  This site was the first place I came out to anyone and it has helped me so much in getting to where I am now and putting my life back on track away from ruin.  I've stuck around here so I can help more people have the same positive experience, but now is the time to give back financially too.  Everyone please do what you can to help!

  One question - How will all the users know where to find the site if and when the domain changes?  Is there some mechanism to broadcast a message about it via the registered email addresses if the change occurs?  I guess there's the Facebook page also.  I'm keeping a note handy with the "gendersupport.org" domain so I don't get 'lost in transition'.  (At least I know how to get in touch with Mrs. Izzy via other means if things go awry.)

Quote from: Susan on January 05, 2015, 08:58:11 PM
The domain for Susan's has been hijacked by my former business partner who is trying to claim ownership of this domain. I am most likely going to have to hire a lawyer; and any help anyone can provide is appreciated!

Since 1996 the domain for the site showed Susan Larson as the registrant and as of today it now shows

Registrant Name:Registration Private
Registrant Organization:Domains By Proxy, LLC
Registrant Street: DomainsByProxy.com
Registrant Street: 14747 N Northsight Blvd Suite 111, PMB 309
Registrant City:Scottsdale
Registrant State/Province:Arizona
Registrant Postal Code:85260
Registrant Country:US
Registrant Phone:+1.4806242599
Registrant Phone Ext:
Registrant Fax: +1.4806242598
Registrant Fax Ext:
Registrant Email:SUSANS.ORG@domainsbyproxy.com

I did not authorize any changes to the domain.

This person I found out sent a email to a third party who has been trying to mediate this claiming that he has always owned this site, and that is not the case. I am on the verge of filing criminal charges.

Cindy call me asap.

Hi. Looking at your Whois data, I can tell you that "Domains By Proxy, LLC" isn't a person but a company owned and operated by GoDaddy.com. Their sole purpose if to protect your identity, physical credentials, physical street address and personal contact details etc. Are you sure you didn't activate a privacy guard feature on the domain register? If you did, then this would happen.

If you have the transfer authorisation code for the domain, you can always unlock the domain from your registrar. Find another domain registrar, such as tucowsdomains (http://www.tucowsdomains.com/) then transfer the domain over and and re-establish additional security features.

If someone has "hi-Jacked" the domain, it's not showing up on the whois records as it's been made private.

No I did not activate the feature nor did  I authorize it being done. I have specifically been told that it was done for leverage, and  if I want any hope of getting my domain back I would have to do certain things. It may still have my name on it, but I don't know that, and I don't have any control over the domain. Those two facts terrify me. The person with control can redirect the site away from my servers taking it down at a whim. That's why I registered the gendersupport.org domain.

You have my full financial support. I have made a first donation and I can make more if needed.

I am crying so hard right now Warlockmaster! Thank you so very very much! Seeing that was simply amazing! For the first time since we started accepting donations we met the goal for a month.  Anything donated for the rest of the month will go to meeting some of the extra expenses for this month and starting to save to cover next month

Quote from: Susan on January 13, 2015, 03:10:17 AM
No I did not activate the feature nor did  I authorize it being done. I have specifically been told that it was done for leverage, and  if I want any hope of getting my domain back I would have to do certain things. It may still have my name on it, but I don't know that, and I don't have any control over the domain. Those two facts terrify me. The person with control can redirect the site away from my servers taking it down at a whim. That's why I registered the gendersupport.org domain.

I sure hope you're able to resolve things soon.  Good Luck Susan. 

You deserve all the support and more. I should thank you for your forum holding me together over two years.

Quote from: warlockmaker on January 13, 2015, 04:06:51 AM
You deserve all the support and more. I should thank you for your forum holding me together over two years.

Right now you are doing the same for me, and I will pay it forward! You are all welcome to skype or im me any time. Thank you again.

Posted this to Facebook... "Sometimes when you are very lucky people step up to prove how awesome humanity actually can be."

This site is a blessing for many. I could not stand by and watch anything go awry. Donation (overdue) sent. I appreciate the private message that got to my email. Don't be afraid to use it again,  dear.

Quote from: Susan on January 13, 2015, 04:07:35 AM
Right now you are doing the same for me, and I will pay it forward!

You have been paying forward for years without help from anyone else. It's time for that to stop.

Susan Sorry I'm late to this party, but have you tried contacting ICANN? I work in Web Hosting and at a Datacenter and have seen this happen so many times. Check out the Uniform Domain-Name Dispute-Resolution Policy. This is Domain hijacking.


https://www.icann.org/resources/pages/udrp-2012-02-25-en

Quote from: Susan on January 13, 2015, 03:33:51 AM
I am crying so hard right now Warlockmaster! Thank you so very very much! Seeing that was simply amazing! For the first time since we started accepting donations we met the goal for a month.  Anything donated for the rest of the month will go to meeting some of the extra expenses for this month and starting to save to cover next month

Yay to everyone who pushed it over the goal and everyone who contributes through their words and time.

Hugs, Devlyn

I've had to fight one of these before.  Hire a good intellectual property attorney to represent you in front of ICANN arbitration, it worked for me.  My donation should help in hiring said attorney.

It's obvious that this site is really important to a lot of people and I want to help out! I don't know how much it would help, but I can go for the Gold Subscription!
I really hope this all gets sorted out! D:

Susan, please excuse me posting this on the open forums, I would have sent you a Private message about it but am unable to do so (probably due to lack of forum permissions seeing as this is my first post?)

Quote from: SusanI figured that $50,000 would fund the operation of this site for a year.

That's not me getting $50,000 to spend however I like.  I won't be taking vacations on it. It goes cover the site expenses and would cover some of my expenses. Not one dime of profit.  I am not living high off the hog here I am sitting in a very tiny house I rent. The equipment for Susan's occupies two rooms including half of my kitchen, so it gets most of the space. My desk is in my living room which has just enough room for a loveseat, not even a full couch. I can walk from one end of the house to the other in under 15 steps

I'm really sorry to hear about the problems you are presently experiencing, however I feel you should seriously reconsider the way you host the site. I must question why you need so much equipment to run this forum and associated wiki, chat room etc. A single server with automated offsite backups, a switch/router and UPS etc is all you need. Also, you don't actually need to have any equipment at all. As for the site costs, well again I have to question your outlay. A 16 core managed VPS with 20Gb memory, 1TB of disk space and 7Tb of bandwidth with remote daily backups can be had for less than $10,000 a year at a reputable host ($7,200 for unmanaged seeing as you presently manage your own servers). That's overkill IMO seeing as the figures you gave for 2013 (13,022,777 page views) would account for around 7.5Tb of bandwidth using a very generous 580kb bandwidth per page (I've yet to find a Susans page which uses more than half that bandwidth). A 4Tb bandwidth fully managed VPS would cost under $4,000 a year (or $2,400 for unmanaged with 4.5Tb bandwidth)

Please don't take this as a criticism, you and your team do a fantastic job which is very much appreciated by many many people. However, your problems may present an ideal opportunity for you to rethink your equipment and hosting requirements.

Sally.

I would like to help you Susan.  Thank you for acting on your passion to help all of us in the community.

    Since I don't post often, I went for $5.00 per post and rounded it up. (Thanks  >:-)-lyn for the inspiration).

      I hope to be able to help some more in the future.
      My wife is  opening her new electrolysis practice in Feb.  (...so money is a bit tight right now).
           If I'm a good girl, she just might give me a special rate to solve my facial hair problem.  ;)


  -Cindi

I too do not want to tell you how to run your IT infrastructure, but since the topic has been broached I'll comment.

I'm one of those 35 year IT veterans, who has seen the migration from centralized computing to PC based decentralized computing and now back to centralized computing AKA Cloud.  I work for a large enterprise and we have almost completely migrated to virtual systems.  The savings in hardware, power and space are considerable.  Reputable data centers spend a lot of effort to provide a 24/7 reliable environment.

When things settle down with your domain issue please consider updating your environment to take advantage of current VPS technology.  It will give you space to move around in your domicile, less noise, no hardware issues to deal with and should decrease costs.

Good fortune in combating the hijacker.

Quote from: deeiche on January 13, 2015, 08:43:50 AM
I too do not want to tell you how to run your IT infrastructure, but since the topic has been broached I'll comment.

I'm one of those 35 year IT veterans, who has seen the migration from centralized computing to PC based decentralized computing and now back to centralized computing AKA Cloud.  I work for a large enterprise and we have almost completely migrated to virtual systems.  The savings in hardware, power and space are considerable.  Reputable data centers spend a lot of effort to provide a 24/7 reliable environment.

When things settle down with your domain issue please consider updating your environment to take advantage of current VPS technology.  If anything it will give you space to move around in your domicile.

I too don't want to tell anyone how to do business, nor do I have the amount of time deeiche has. I'm just on 5 years now. But a scale-able VPS would provide a lot of flexibility. The company I work for is basically going to offering only Cloud VPS based hosting over traditional hosting/servers.

I have donated what I can for this month. So sorry Susan that they are putting you through this. It's wrong on so many levels and I would have donated earlier this month if this thread had caught my attention. I have been so busy getting other things straitened out. In the meantime I hope and pray your job situation improves. Hugs
Mariah

Donated! All  have to give at this time.

Joelene

Quote from: Cindi Lane on January 13, 2015, 08:42:55 AM
I would like to help you Susan.  Thank you for acting on your passion to help all of us in the community.

    Since I don't post often, I went for $5.00 per post and rounded it up. (Thanks  >:-)-lyn for the inspiration).

      I hope to be able to help some more in the future.
      My wife is  opening her new electrolysis practice in Feb.  (...so money is a bit tight right now).
           If I'm a good girl, she just might give me a special rate to solve my facial hair problem.  ;)


  -Cindi

I'm loving this alternate spelling of  >:-)-yn that Jill started!

Hugs,  >:-)-yn

I will donate what I can by the end of the week! I had no idea any of this was going on until I checked my email. I really should check the forums more frequently...hang in there!  :(

Quote from: Sally29 on January 13, 2015, 08:14:09 AM
Susan, please excuse me posting this on the open forums, I would have sent you a Private message about it but am unable to do so (probably due to lack of forum permissions seeing as this is my first post?)

Quote from: SusanI figured that $50,000 would fund the operation of this site for a year.

That's not me getting $50,000 to spend however I like.  I won't be taking vacations on it. It goes cover the site expenses and would cover some of my expenses. Not one dime of profit.  I am not living high off the hog here I am sitting in a very tiny house I rent. The equipment for Susan's occupies two rooms including half of my kitchen, so it gets most of the space. My desk is in my living room which has just enough room for a loveseat, not even a full couch. I can walk from one end of the house to the other in under 15 steps

I'm really sorry to hear about the problems you are presently experiencing, however I feel you should seriously reconsider the way you host the site. I must question why you need so much equipment to run this forum and associated wiki, chat room etc. A single server with automated offsite backups, a switch/router and UPS etc is all you need. Also, you don't actually need to have any equipment at all. As for the site costs, well again I have to question your outlay. A 16 core managed VPS with 20Gb memory, 1TB of disk space and 7Tb of bandwidth with remote daily backups can be had for less than $10,000 a year at a reputable host ($7,200 for unmanaged seeing as you presently manage your own servers). That's overkill IMO seeing as the figures you gave for 2013 (13,022,777 page views) would account for around 7.5Tb of bandwidth using a very generous 580kb bandwidth per page (I've yet to find a Susans page which uses more than half that bandwidth). A 4Tb bandwidth fully managed VPS would cost under $4,000 a year (or $2,400 for unmanaged with 4.5Tb bandwidth)

Please don't take this as a criticism, you and your team do a fantastic job which is very much appreciated by many many people. However, your problems may present an ideal opportunity for you to rethink your equipment and hosting requirements.

Sally.

Sally this site would not run on a VPS. Most VPS limit you to a max of 1 gb of database. The Susan's forum posts is well over 1gb by it's self. Then you have the performance issues that shared servers bring.  I have been a professional IT person for 19 years. If what you describe was an option I would have done it without blinking. This is about ensuring that this site is better than 99.99% uptime. It has to be.

I have 2 servers. The primary web server which handes primary name server, mail server, database server. I have a secondary web server which handles secondary name server, backup mail server, and database server. It also serves as a remote backup point.  My old business partner is demanding one of those servers.

I have bandwidth expenses, electric, rent, and water.

I have software expenses that are required to do the site.

I have the time I dedicate and will be increasing dedicating to the site now that it's my primary concern.  Lastly I need to be able to eat. None of this can happen if I starve to death in the mean time. Finding a job in this economy when I am 44 years old will not be a quick endeavor.

I have the pending fight to get the Susan's domain back which will not be cheap, right now it's looking like I may end up having to lawyer up and take the ownership of the domain to court.

Want to see what the people stepping up to support the site are making possible?

QuoteI just looked up and saw Family under my name.  Wow!  Don't know how the posts added up to that many.  I'm kind of shocked.  But the word feels good.  And it occurred to me that I've never thanked you for the work you do here.  I'm long overdue in that.  Your work had truly changed my life.  So, I just wanted to take a moment to tell you how much I appreciate you and your work here on Susan's.  I can't imagine having gotten through this time in my life without you.

QuoteNot sure what you said or did. Perhaps it's just a coincedence, but I noticed today that niceness has returned to the forum. With the exception of a personal run, which is well in hand, it seems that the forum once again reflects you. Thanks either way.

QuoteSusan:

I just wanted to let you know that my transition was aided in a large part to the wonderful and complete information you have on this site.

When I approached HR on my transition, I also gave them many pages from your wiki and they were extremely helpful to HR in understanding me and the FTM, <name removed>, that is coming out at the same time.

They also used many of the wiki and links as part of the creation of handouts that will be given to my team mates tomorrow when they announce me and <name removed>.

I know this is a group effort.  But it's your site, Susan, and without it consolidating so much information in one place I don't know that I would have been as successful in making my transition request to my company.

So thank you!  Thank you! Thank you!!!!

BTW: This is my last day as a guy.  After I leave work today, I'm all <name filtered> all the time.  I'm scared and happy and just about everything else you can feel all at once.  Naturally my productivity today is in the bucket!

Quote
Susan,
I wanted to say "Thank you!" for having this board.  There's no telling how many lives you've saved and how many people you've helped by having this here.

I know that I would have been in a "looney bin" a long time ago without the ability to communicate on-line with those who deal with this "condition" daily.

I just want to give credit where credit is due - to a woman who took the time to provide a place of sharing.

Thanks again.

QuoteI just wanted to thank you for setting up this site and maintaining it. It can feel very lonely out here for a lot of us and finding a community of people who have gone/are going through the same thing...well, I don't have words to express my gratitude. I'm just starting to do something about my lifelong struggle and I'm thankful that I have a place like yours to find my way. Thank you again, <name filtered>

QuoteThank you for this fantastic forum!  I was waiting to tell you I have resolved everything in my head but I have not.

I also wanted to tell you all my questions have been answered.  However each question I ask at this forum generates multiple different answers.  This in turn generates more questions.  I have learned a little more about myself which has been good.

People at this forum have also been kind enough to help me make the right decisions.  I have talked to my wife, started exercising, and am improving my eating habits.

I hope along the way I may have returned the favor to someone.

Many thanks to a fine group of sensitive people!

QuoteI just wanted to thank you for two things.

1. Making this site which I think I already thanked you for. But it has been such a saveing grace to meet you desreve two thanks.

2.Thanks to your lil essay on hormones you saved em from making a BIG mistake and taking hormones with out cheking with a doc first. God I hope I am ok and able to take them. I'm just tired of feeling hollow :(.

But I PM you for a sob fest I wanted to thank you this place is very helpful and has made me strong and proud of who I am. It even did more then that It help me to know who I am. Which is 10times more then most of the people who cut me down can honestly saybout them selves.

QuoteI once saw an episode of the "Twiligt Zone" where an English military  pilot from WW 1 had gotten lost and landed in an air strip in 1961, or so. This is how I feel. I was socialized as a little girl from the age of about 5 up to about the age of 16. I eventually developed a poor, paper thin male identity. GID affects everyone differently, and no one is more TS than anyone else. It's about gender, how can anyone be more of a woman than anyone else? Everyone has the absolute right to express their gender awareness and gender identity as the experience it, and in my opinion, it's all good!.

My GID was so strong, and from such an early age, that it destroyed my life. I'm 58 years old. I tried desparately to find help in 1970, but was unsuccessful. I experience my gender as being a genetic woman with a female body that appears to be male.  This leads to a lifetime of self hatred, coupled with 40 years of hard drug or alcohol abuse and several very well planned out and executed suicide attempts that should have succeeded, but unfortunately didn't.

I have finally found help, and have SRS planned for next year. Living full time is on one hand pleasant and easier than living as a male, but on the other, I feel like a freak, a woman with a horribly deformed body that appears to be male. I'm tired of the conflict, and if I live to have the procedure or die through other means makes little difference to me. I just wish for the conflict to end.

My postings have given me a forum to voice my thoughts. Unfortunately, I'm in a very different place, similar to the aforementioned pilot. Response to my thoughts have been less than inspiring. I think that you host an excellent website. It just isn't one where I belong.

Thank you for the opportunity to voice my opinions. I appreciate it.

Quote
I wanted to thank you so much for operating this wonderful website. If it weren't for me finding this group I wouldn't be where I am right now, and on my way to embracing womanhood. I cannot find the words for how grateful I am, and by meeting members here and discussing issues, I have found myself in the process, and accepted who I am.

QuoteMy life is beginning to improve in more ways than I could imagine now that I am on HRT, and my relationships with friends are improving and becoming better now :). I had this post early when I was down, but it was probably an emotional bump, cause now I am really happy :D.

Thank you again! I wouldn't have done this nearly as soon if it wasn't for this support group ;)

QuoteEven though I haven't used even half of the resources available, your site has already been a godsend for me. It's only been six months since I registered here I've become a lot more comfortable about who I am and that's one of the greatest gifts I could ever ask for.

QuoteThanks for this website; If it wasn't for you and the great members of this forum who have helped me for the past month and so with being Transgendered---I don't know where I would release my aura.

I've never talked to you personally on here or anything; Besides when you edited the "Beautiful" link by Christina Aguilera to the MTV one...Which I also thank you for!

So I would just like to say, thanks for helping me tide the arcane waves that swish and flow through my sometimes jaded heart.

Quote
Hi Susan, I just found your site a few hours ago. I posted under <name removed> about <topic removed>. I am so glad your site is available to me. As a normal male (whatever that is) I have no idea what my girlfriend has or is going through with her transition. I want to help but how do I go about it? I need info and understanding myself just to keep from doing something stupid. Thanks for this forum and information. God bless, Peace & Love, <name removed>

QuoteThanks for this site. I have found it to be very helpful and safe the way you run it.

QuoteTo Emelye and Susan Larson...

First of all, I want to personally thank you and your team, for providing us with the
timely notification of the threat and for all of the support we received from your group.  I had
a person from your IT group, calling me offering up technical assistance to help us identify the
author of the comments, Emelye was GREAT at getting us some valuable URL information, and the
overall responses from your group were wonderful!!

With your team's assistance, we were able to identify the young lady in our middle school.
She admitted to making the comment in the chat room and we also learned that she has been
bullied since 5th grade.  She is in 8th grade now.  She did not pose any immediate threats to
the school or her classmates today, IE, no weapons, etc..  Her parents were notified and the school
staff is working on eliminating the bullying, mainly coming from one girl in her class, which
has been going on in this young lady's life for years.
We are very happy here, that we were able to intervene before it was too late.

Thank you again, for all of your help.
It was a team effort, and it all started with your team....~  :-)
If you ever need anything else from the East Lansing, MI Police Department,
please do not hesitate to contact us.

Warmest Regards,

<name and rank removed>
East Lansing Police Department

QuoteToday, I realised that it has been 1 year since I joined Susan's. I want to say a big thank you to everybody that has helped me along the way. A lot has changed in this past year and I couldn't of done it without Susan's and all of you. Thank you all, your support means everything. I've had a lot of ups and downs but you have all been here to share them with. Thanks again everybody, I love you all.

Quote
This is my main source of support and my main source of good information.  That is worth something to me.  It should be worth something to everyone.

Thank You Susan!!

QuoteI just wanted to say thank you for the site.

It changed everything for me.  Exposed DES, found support and friends, defined who I am, changed everything.

I cannot possibly state how many lives you have helped.

You deserve a medal.  You are famous.  You are a star, and a humble one at that, a rare gem in this world.

God Bless You.

QuoteAfter A long journey I have finally made it, only to find this is where the Journey starts.  Either way I am almost desperately glad that I was able to find the courage I needed to move on with my life and deal with my Identity Disorder.  This website has helped me more than I can ever express and to anyone who stumbles on this and is looking for answers, or needing to ask questions you have found a place where you can be whoever you want or need to be and find that!  My take on all this is don't hold back your need to explore who and what identity you truly are, I lost the last ten years ignoring most of the advice I received on this website almost a decade ago and watching the friends I had made here move on and become beautiful people while I sat in Gender ANGER!

Many, many of you put up with me and helped me through some very hard and trying times, I know that nothing gets easier from here but I can safely say I don't feel confused or angry anymore over this aspect of who I am, I really just am happy to be on the path to an actual life that I want to Live. None of this would be even remotely possible without Susans.org, or the wonderful people who actually took a moment of their lives to help me and care about me..

With that I am off to live my life but I will be back to return the love!

Your Friend Forever,

QuoteGood morning and Happy Thanksgiving.


Today I am thankful for this online community that has helped me tremendously over the last several months.  I don't know how anyone can transition without support, this web site has been crucial to help me maintain balance and keep my 'head above water'.

I've talked with many here PM and some on Facebook, I can't thank you all enough how you are helping me get through this time of my life.  People say it gets better, HRT has helped, but it doesn't help with life's situations, we must push through these walls of fire to achieve our goals.

And that's where I bow...er....genuflect to you all for helping me start to become the woman I have buried inside of me for 4 decades.  I can't thank you enough.  I thank God I'm alive and for His provisions.  I thank you all for being there for me to talk thru all the details and trials of changing gender.  Very few understand how difficult this is, but I'm glad you all have been there for me.

I hope I can be there for you.

QuoteI just want to say -

Thank you all staff and techs for a beautifully maintained and perfectly set-out meeting place.

Thank you *everyone* for a kind and genuine environment.

I'm glad I came!

QuoteAs a current regular I want to express my appreciation for you and the efforts you have made for this community. Your place has been an essential part of my personal journey and transition. I have met and made friends on line and IRL with introductions here. With such a resource I might have transitioned 20 years ago. Thank you for another chance to find support and community.

QuoteREAD AND RE-READ YOUR  LIFE STORY POST /INFORMATION. THANK YOU FOR THE GRIT AND DETERMINATION DURING THE PERIODS OF LIFE YOU  HAD CONTROL OF  AND YOUR  SELF EXAMINATION FOR  FINDING  YOUR PLACE. I AM INSPIRED. TO BE YOUR DAILY  PERSONAL FRIEND  WOULD BE TRULY HELPFUL TO ANY STILL SEARCHING  FOR THE PEACE YOU HAVE PAID FOR AND FOUND.   I KNOW MANY MUST FEEL AS I DO IF THEY , LIKE ME , ARE STRUGGLING WITH DEVILS, BOTH REAL AND IMAGINED. THANK YOU SUSAN . MY FIRST ACKNOWLEDGEMENT IS THIS MEMO TO YOU.

QuoteThank You Susan for this site... Life isn't easy and aspects of it cane really cruel. Through this (your) site I have been able to breathe, to realize that we are not alone. Thank You

QuoteI needed to write you a note to tell you the immense impact you have had on my life.   I am not joking when I say you may have saved my life.

I came to your site because all the non-perscription drugs I am taking have not transformed my body.  For whatever reason I happened to get into a discussion regarding one product that was advertised as the product of choice for MTF according to the manufacturer.  I learned from the forum that all my pains from taking these pills were not a MTF transformation but simply pain from the drugs harming my body.  Prior to coming to the site I figured if I could tolerate the pain that eventually my body would transform.

It gets worse... I read on the internet that the prisons were considering giving certain drugs to prisoners to chemically castrate them.  I was seriously considering obtaining these drugs.  If the people at Susan's Place had not been caring enough to respond to a note I wrote then I might have done serious damage to my own body.

I also read the spousal input tonight on dealing with a MTF spouse.  It was very enlightening.

I have tremendous guilt feelings to want to change from a MTF.  These are the feelings I have had since a young child.  Then I read how difficult it is to transition for several older individuals.  I was not alone in the world and a transition is not easy.

My plans were to transition from a MTF and just leave everyone because no one would accept me.  Then I read a comment by Susan in feeling guilty by not saying goodbye to someone that died.  It made me cry.

I really feel the people at Susan's Place understand what I have and currently am experiencing.

I thank you for saving my life!

And those are just a few, very few, of the many comments I have received over the years.

That's what your support goes to make possible. It's not just me, it's not just the staff, it's everyone here making this kind of thing possible.

I'm so sorry I can't help financially, no job, no money and been eating toast for three days, lol.  But I wish you all the best in this situation Susan.  A hug won't help much but I'm sending you one anyway :)

Quote from: ChrissyChips on January 13, 2015, 03:04:20 PM
I'm so sorry I can't help financially, no job, no money and been eating toast for three days, lol.  But I wish you all the best in this situation Susan.  A hug won't help much but I'm sending you one anyway :)

Pay day tommorrow, I will see what I can do. I had an unpaid week off over Christmass, and have been nursing Saturday's take out chicken all week.
Part of me wants the hijackers IRL info, so I can give him some face time with sweet lady brick.
Probably violated TOS with that, but worth it for the Simpsons fans.(https://www.susans.org/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fstatic.tvtropes.org%2Fpmwiki%2Fpub%2Fimages%2FGimmeyerwalley_9014.jpeg&hash=57a0a26e98672a0849ecd02668e7c3c6991b6cb9)

I'll see what I can donate this weekend, might not be much but every bit helps.  :)

Susan, I hate that you're going through this.  Payday's this Friday...it's a tight wallet, but I'll give what I can.  Love ya', hon.  Hang in there.  ~V.

I'll donate some money when I next get paid :) ah, I'm so sorry this has happened :\ is it legal to do what they've done? I mean, it sounds like they're blackmailing you or something, how can that be OK?

As always if you can afford to donate I will welcome it. However if you can't that's ok too, and no one will think any less of you. I most certainly won't! Any money donated will be kept in the account and kept until required. Again I will not be taking any vacations on your money.

Quote from: Susan on January 13, 2015, 11:07:48 PM
Again I will not be taking any vacations on your money.

I don't think any of us would mind if you went and got yourself a decent meal Susan. That .39 cent stuff is not good for you.

Payday is this Thursday and I'll be kicking in a little more.

I wanted to donate, but I got a rude surprise. My paycheck was missing about 40 hours of pay.

I haven't been on lately (due to RL) but I hope everything is okay. I've been working a minor job on the side lately so I'll see what I can do. You've got my support!

I wonder if any thought has been given to incorporating as a nonprofit?  That would make donations tax deductible, which would make them more affordable (tax benefits) and facilitate receiving donations from corporations, foundations, etc. 

Quote from: LordKAT on January 14, 2015, 01:10:03 AM
I wanted to donate, but I got a rude surprise. My paycheck was missing about 40 hours of pay.

Oh that sucks LordKat. Your volunteering is donation enough seriously!

Quote from: Susan on January 14, 2015, 11:18:24 AM

Quote from: LordKAT on January 14, 2015, 01:10:03 AM
I wanted to donate, but I got a rude surprise. My paycheck was missing about 40 hours of pay.

Oh that sucks LordKat. Your volunteering is donation enough seriously!

Quote from: ThePhoenix on January 14, 2015, 10:54:04 AM
I wonder if any thought has been given to incorporating as a nonprofit?  That would make donations tax deductible, which would make them more affordable (tax benefits) and facilitate receiving donations from corporations, foundations, etc.

Eventually that's a possibility but I have many years of funding invested and would need to recover a significant portion of that before we do.

Quote from: ThePhoenix on January 14, 2015, 10:54:04 AM
I wonder if any thought has been given to incorporating as a nonprofit?  That would make donations tax deductible, which would make them more affordable (tax benefits) and facilitate receiving donations from corporations, foundations, etc.

  I would certainly appreciate it if this were possible, but it does come with other complications and obligations that might be beyond the resources of the Admin.  Worth considering though, I suppose.

  I have to wonder if, given that this site is so important to so many people around the globe, there might be a legal firm willing to offer help in this situation free or discounted, particularly if there is one with a transgender employee.  I know there is a toronto lawyer who is trans and deals in trans legal issues primarily (see article http://www.thestar.com/news/pridetoronto/2014/06/28/world_pride_throwing_a_legal_lifeline_to_the_trans_community.html (http://www.thestar.com/news/pridetoronto/2014/06/28/world_pride_throwing_a_legal_lifeline_to_the_trans_community.html)).  Perhaps they or their firm would at least be able to offer some advice since trans issues seem to be their primary concern.  A human rights issue is probably not something your 'agitator' would want to get mired in, especially if it gets press coverage as such.  Holding an innocent non-profit mental health support site hostage over an unrelated financial dispute isn't exactly the best way to further a business's interests I would think.

Paypal account got limited, got to resolve the stuff before I can send money. >_<

I wish that I could donate, but I am living hand to mouth and have medical bills.  I will send something if I can.

Do we have any lawyers here at Susan's.  Would be nice if you could get a lawyer pro bono.

What about pressure from publicity - someone else hit on the idea.  Would it be a good idea for someone to write up a press release and send it to the Advocate, GLAAD, HRC, and GLBTI news organizations?

The goal is to settle this without throwing everything to chance on the legal system. I am still trying to work it out. Lawyers and court are a last resort.

If I may ask, who pays the bill for the domain?
You might be able to get this resolved with ICANN.  They are the keepers of domains, and IP addresses.  They kinda have a final word on stuff like this.

I truly wish I could offer some assistance but alas I am also unemployed.

But I can at least offer you a HUG and this site is extremely well run its a real shame some a....les can ruin such a tight knit community. Well ok not ruin I am sure you will pull through this very well and perhaps better then before give it will be totally yours and your control.

I realize I am pretty darn new and really just discovering self etc but as I have seen the community as a whole is extremely well informed and supportive as well when they don't know to send you to someone who can help (therapist or something).

I will offer you my hugs and a prayer even though not religious that you shall persevere and come out stronger then ever:)

Maybe a good luck on your next lottery purchase!!:)

One thing though please for gods sake take care of yourself I know the site is important but without you there is no leader of the site. Try not to stress it out too much take some deep breaths to focus and all shall become clear and no skimping on your diet young lady!:)

He did that's why he was able to do this. However I was the registrant (the owner) for 19 years and can prove that, and I did not authorize any changes to the domain ownership. Yes,  I can go the icann route but again that throws things to chance.  What happens if they rule he was the one who paid the registration fees and it's his. I am then without any recourse. Once he put the privacy stuff on only he can make changes to the domain. Give me time I am trying to get this resolved. The Gendersupport site makes sure that we can't just be shut off.  Which weakens his position.

Right now the situation is looking a bit more promising, but we will see. I won't count my chickens until they hatch. There's a definate possibility the domain ownership will soon be restored.  That doesnt' change the fact that I can't continue to bear the expenses of the site by myself. I will keep you informed as details become clear.

Right now I am going to spend the next several months making some exciting changes to the web site. These are things you can look forward to as a result of the support that people have given. Before the site got whatever time I had left over and that wasn't nearly as much as I would have liked. Running a site like this is really is a full time job for several people. You get me and the all volunteer staff.

The first visible change will be a full redesign of the site from top to bottom. It will be followed by new and updated content for the members. I will need people willing to regularly write and contribute transgender specific content.

If the donations continue to pay the site expenses all of this new content will be available without a subscription. If not then it may have to be released under a subscribers get access first model (90 Days before public release).

Susan, I just dropped in to check on things, and am shocked.  I'm so sorry. I hope you make this jackass pay for the trouble he's caused.  I would help if I could, but I cannot.  Marcy passed away this past December, Christmas Eve night.  I am still reeling from that......we were together since 1971. 
My finances are at rock bottom at the moment, and I'm trying to make everything work.
I know I'm hardly ever here, but still I care, a lot, and this stinks.  I wish the best for you.

Quote from: Ms Bev on January 15, 2015, 02:11:09 PM
Susan, I just dropped in to check on things, and am shocked.  I'm so sorry. I hope you make this jackass pay for the trouble he's caused.  I would help if I could, but I cannot.  Marcy passed away this past December, Christmas Eve night.  I am still reeling from that......we were together since 1971. 
My finances are at rock bottom at the moment, and I'm trying to make everything work.
I know I'm hardly ever here, but still I care, a lot, and this stinks.  I wish the best for you.

Sorry to hear that Bev miss you! Hopefully you come back soon!

Donated what I can, it's not much though. :(

Quote from: DragonBeer on January 15, 2015, 10:49:33 PM
Donated what I can, it's not much though. :(

Thank you Dragon while we are doing great this month, I need to see how it does in coming months. So anything at all helps. This is the first month since we started accepting donations over a year ago that the site has met and exceeded the funding goal for a month. I want thank everyone who has stepped up to make that possible! The majority of the money will be used over the next few months to pay expenses.

On Monday I start the long awaited and foretold redesign of Susan's Place.

I have already started purchasing the hardware that is required for the hosting of the servers to replace what I lost when I became unemployed. I also purchased a printer so that I can print documentation and letters as needed.

Though I have got to replace my current shoes some of the foam internal materials has busted through and they look horrible.  I will be doing that later today. If anyone doubts the need I will post a picture and this is my only pair of shoes.

On more a positive note getting the domain back is looking like it may happen but it's stuck waiting for that domains by proxy stuff to be removed.

That's where we are at right now.

So, what you're saying, Susan, is that, collectively, we're keeping you barefoot, not pregnant, and in the server room. ;)

Me, like so many others, were laid off. The company is getting me odd jobs, but not getting the hours that I used to. The money for the E patches cut into that, that much more. Everything keeps going up and up and money for me keeps going down and down. Bummer! I'm sorry!

Quote from: Stephanie2 on January 16, 2015, 01:58:47 PM
Me, like so many others, were laid off. The company is getting me odd jobs, but not getting the hours that I used to. The money for the E patches cut into that, that much more. Everything keeps going up and up and money for me keeps going down and down. Bummer! I'm sorry!

You are fine Stephanie! I know exactly how you are feeling. Don't worry. When you get that nice job and can do so, then you can offer your support. until then keep yourself fed, and keep yourself safe.

I sorry Susan I'll try to donate when I can, I know I tend to use a lot of electricity because I post so much, but my brain seems to enjoy posting on your site , it's kind of bio-feedback

Quote from: Susan on January 16, 2015, 02:24:43 PM
You are fine Stephanie! I know exactly how you are feeling. Don't worry. When you get that nice job and can do so, then you can offer your support. until then keep yourself fed, and keep yourself safe.

Thanks for your understanding, Susan! I will do what I can later on, as sooner or later things have got to get better!

Quote from: Susan on January 14, 2015, 04:58:45 PM
Right now I am going to spend the next several months making some exciting changes to the web site. ...

The first visible change will be a full redesign of the site from top to bottom.  ...

I realize this is your site, not mine, so take this as simply one user's preference, but:

I hope this won't make this site less accessible or more complicated to use.  Right now, I can use it without JavaScript, flash (or other video players), cookies (except for logging in) and even without images.  (I turn those things off a lot of the time because they can really increase load times and network loading.)  And most of the time, everything fits on one page.

The reason I worry is that some of my favorite sites have recently done redesigns and succeeded only in making it harder to use them.  One made the entry page something like 5 times as long (so you have to scroll to find things) and made it hard to tell which boards had new content.  Another (a blog) did something so I can't see the comments any more.  A couple have done things to the menus so when you move the mouse to the item you want to select, the menu disappears.  And one is doing something weird involving lots of connection attempts that are somehow incompatible with my company's firewall.  Some sites won't let you get in without watching a video.  Etc.  Not all of us can buy new hardware and software every year to keep up with the latest WWW gimmicks.

Anyway, whatever you do, I appreciate what you are doing for the community.  So far, Susan's is the best TG support site I've found by a mile.

The goal is to make the site simple to use and more appealing hopefully without increasing the complexity. Will there be some other requirements probably but most of the site will be CSS and HTML. Slightly larger fonts and improved usability is definitely in the works. Improved header and navigation.

No Landing Pages, No must watch videos I promise!

I will definitely take user feedback into consideration to a point; and will work to make it work well for the majority of the people using the site.

The current plan is to keep the forums mostly as is, but to retheme it to look like the rest of the site.

In a pm last night someone said:

Quote
As to what you do with the money:  I trust that you will use it well. Part of the cost of running the site is paying someone to manage the back-end.  $20/hour (ie: c.$40k p.a.) is about the least that can be paid for someone competent.  I believe you to be worth more than that.  From your posts, it does not sound like sufficient allowance has been made for such wages.  More than anything else, this is what prompted me to donate.  I value your ability to keep this site running and believe you have every right to receive an appropriate income from those of us who use the site.

I replied I am a Network and System Administrator with 19 years experience.  Not to mention a Community Manager,  Peer Support Counselor, Web Designer, Perl and PHP Programmer. Hopefully I am worth it!

And hopefully, Susan, you will pay it to yourself. Enough with the 39 cent dinners!

Quote from: Susan on January 17, 2015, 10:57:20 AM

....I replied I am a Network and System Administrator with 19 years experience.  Not to mention a Community Manager,  Peer Support Counselor, Web Designer, Perl and PHP Programmer. Hopefully I am worth it!

...Not to mention an all around caring, compassionate, and ethical person.  Amd hell yeah you're worth it!  And then some....   xo

Until I can donate (insert financial hardship story here) and well after I can, I vow to spend extra time helping newbies, and answering those same questions they have over and over again.

This community has been my rock. It was the first community that introduced me to countless trans* people, held my hand through the darkness of suicidal dysphoria, provided hotline info that I did have to use, helped me come out to everyone and start transition, answered my newbie questions that had been asked so many times by others which I can now finally answer like a big girl, and even put up with me when the dwindling ripples of dysphoria were occasionally triggered leading me to act out. It has held my hand as I have stabilized into someone who is alive, passionate and (gasp) happy. I have made real and lasting friendships that expand beyond the boundaries of this website.

It is invaluable for myself and for so many others.

Thank you Susan, Staff and Community.

All I have is time right now. Please reach out to me if any of you can think of something I can do for this website with all of it.

Aloha,
Tori

You have just done so sweet sister.

Not everyone has money, not everyone can be staff, but we can all help each other.

Hugs

I will donate as soon as I can, probably later this month.  While I dont post often, I have been visiting this site since 2011 so I figure its about time to contribute. 

( disclaimer, not to be taken in any other way , but a benign personal opinion and I am totally sorry , because I love this place, if this statement is taken wrongly ) I personally think banquet pot pies are delicious . You can fry them in a skillet , maybe with a little olive oil and add a  couple  of vegetables from the produce section and wow. ( total disclaimer absolutely no intention to derail a serious issue , sorry)

Quote from: stephaniec on January 19, 2015, 11:35:27 AM( total disclaimer absolutely no intention to derail a serious issue , sorry)

Did someone mention the word -- derailing? :)
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/19/Train_wreck_at_Montparnasse_1895.jpg)
(I've been waiting for an excuse to post that picture.)

(Mods: feel free to delete this post if you think it's inappropriate for the thread.)

Susan

Please don't EVER feel that you have to justify yourself, this site, the staff & the many members have saved my life several times over the last few years.
Within a year of coming out I was unemployed & homeless, whilst I now have a home my finances are tight but i'll squeeze them further & make a donation in the next few weeks.

I don't have a PC & can only get on here when my Xbox is in a good mood & cooperates but when that gets rectified (god knows when) i'll offer the bags of time I have to help in any way I can.

Quote from: Asche on January 19, 2015, 03:59:21 PM
Did someone mention the word -- derailing? :)
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/19/Train_wreck_at_Montparnasse_1895.jpg)
(I've been waiting for an excuse to post that picture.)

(Mods: feel free to delete this post if you think it's inappropriate for the thread.)

Most awesome forum picture ever XD


Susan, Thank for this site. as some one who is some one new, this site has answered a lot of questions and the people on here are great. :) I plan on dotating as soon as I have funds to give.

I just came across this thread.
I'd been keeping to only a few of the boards here until now, but somehow the words 'domain hijacked' caught my eye just now.
I had realized the switch from susans.org to gendersupport.org a few days back but didn't know it was for this reason.

Anyway, just chipped in my bit immediately, given the really unfavorable exchange rate. Needless to say, this place is a lifeline for so many of us.

Thanks Cindy16!

You are welcome Susan. But reading some of the earlier messages on this thread, I'd just say, please take care of yourself first.

Quote from: Asche on January 19, 2015, 03:59:21 PM
Did someone mention the word -- derailing? :)
(https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/1/19/Train_wreck_at_Montparnasse_1895.jpg)
(I've been waiting for an excuse to post that picture.)

  Hah!  I have that picture framed on my wall at home - It's even better at 15.5" high by 12" wide!

P.S. Don't worry about appropriateness - the site seems to be having some 'indigestion' at the moment.

Quote from: Jayne on January 19, 2015, 05:30:57 PM
Susan

Please don't EVER feel that you have to justify yourself, this site, the staff & the many members have saved my life several times over the last few years.
Within a year of coming out I was unemployed & homeless, whilst I now have a home my finances are tight but i'll squeeze them further & make a donation in the next few weeks.

I don't have a PC & can only get on here when my Xbox is in a good mood & cooperates but when that gets rectified (god knows when) i'll offer the bags of time I have to help in any way I can.

I was curious about the story behind the picture and wondered if anyone had died.  No one died on the train, but one woman perished from falling masonry.  The wreck happened due to faulty brake and speeding engineers - one received sentence of two years in prison.  http://worldhistoryproject.org/1895/10/22/gare-montparnasse-station-derailment-and-train-wreck (http://worldhistoryproject.org/1895/10/22/gare-montparnasse-station-derailment-and-train-wreck)

While the domain is not yet back in my control an agreement has been signed by the parties to this situation.

---

QUITCLAIM Agreement

Parties

Grantor: X                                                                                 Grantee: Me
Grantor: X                                                                                                DBA Susan Larsonc

Abbreviated Legal Description

Dissolution between parties.

Transfer of ownership and release of server to X, for the complete release of any claims of ownership, and all pecuniary interests in the susans.org domain name and associated web site by GRANTORS, the complete release of any claims of ownership, and all pecuniary interests in the <domain name removed> domain and associated web site by GRANTEE, and elimination of all debts personal and business between the GRANTORS and GRANTEE.

Agreement

THE GRANTORS: X both in his personal capacity and official capacity as owner of X AGREES for and in consideration of 1 computer server serial number 66839, and assistance in transferring said server to a new location of his choosing by the GRANTEE, (My Legal Name) ; that they shall do the following:

The GRANTORS HEREBY RELEASES all past, current, and future claims of ownership, and any associated pecuniary interests real or perceived to the susans.org domain name and associated web site.

The GRANTORS further states by their signatures that they ACKNOWLEDGE that they have no ownership, holds, claims, liens, or rights in the susans.org domain name and associated web site, and states that the full and legal ownership of the domain has been sole property of the GRANTEE since its founding in 1996.

Complete control of the susans.org domain name is to be RESTORED TO THE GRANTEE and the domain TRANSFERRED to the GoDaddy account specified by the GRANTEE as soon as possible.

By signing this agreement the parties also AGREE TO DISMISS all hosting fees and other expenses, as well as any debts personal and business, incurred between the GRANTORS and the GRANTEE.

(See Reverse)

(See Front)

The GRANTEE HEREBY RELEASES all past, current, and future claims of ownership, and any associated pecuniary interests real or perceived to the <domain name removed> domain name and associated web site.

The GRANTEE further states by their signature that they ACKNOWLEDGE they have no ownership, holds, claims, liens, or rights in the <domain name removed> domain name and associated web site.

Covenant not to sue

The parties mutually agree not to initiate legal actions relating to any of the items covered under this agreement unless there is a material breach by one or more parties to the agreement.

Signatures

This agreement is concluded by signature of the undersigned parties. The signatories agree to be fully bound by its terms.

Grantors                                                                               Grantee

__________________________                                           __________________________
X*                                                                                          (My legal name)
DBA X                                                                                     DBA Susan Larson                     
                                                                                 

__________________________                                           __________________________
Date                                                                                        Date



__________________________                                           __________________________
Witness #1                                                                              Witness #2

__________________________                                           __________________________
Date                                                                                        Date


*in his personal and official capacity

Here's the signed and notarized page (signatures and names have been blurred.

---

It was signed by both my former business partner and myself as well as two witnesses and then notarized by a notary public. It's binding. 

Not all of the terms are in the written agreement but the major ones are there.

It ended up costing me somewhere between $2,000 and $3,000 in cash and computer hardware. I have spent several hundred dollars more in buying replacement equipment for the internet account switchover which happened today.  I also had to give up my claims of ownership to the partnership's main asset, and agree not to sue. For the next month give or take for a few hours a day, I also have to assist him in learning as much of my former job as possible. I am still unemployed. 

So we have moved forward, but we still are going to need member support on a ongoing basis. But the most important thing is my title to Susan's is once again secure.

Awesomeness!

Yay!

Fantastic! Mainly, I'm just glad that the site will be safe.

Yay, and rest assured, my support will continue.

Glad to hear that this issue is moving to resolution. Is this why I may have lost contact with the site? I was knocked out of it. When I try to get back in, using gendersupport.org, I get moved to susans.org to log in. Very confused.

Great news Susan. :)

Quote from: islandgirl on January 21, 2015, 08:37:08 AM
Glad to hear that this issue is moving to resolution. Is this why I may have lost contact with the site? I was knocked out of it. When I try to get back in, using gendersupport.org, I get moved to susans.org to log in. Very confused.

Since the name is secure now, I have moved it back to the original domain. I will most likely be repurposing gendersupport.org as a general GLBT support site modeled off of Susan's in the near future.

Thank you for the good news!

Well done Susan  :)

It seems to have worked out about the way you predicted it would, Susan.  I'm glad you got susans.org back!

hugs & smiles
Helen

Congratulations for what is rightfully yours!:) You deserve it after all the things you have done and or do for the sight.

I don't know if everything is resolved just yet but I would hope soon when that time comes please give yourself a break doing something you like other then susans, Even if its just for a little while you deserve a treat after a fight!!:)

Hooray! I hope it completely blows over soon, I will make another donation of what I can this paycheck :)

It looks like you had to make a substantial sacrifice. I'm glad things are back to normal from a member point of view and wish I could do more. Unfortunately, my writing skills are lacking, although my proof reading is a bit better.

Sorry for my late response, have been busy the last weeks.

Quote from: Susan on January 20, 2015, 08:50:33 PM
It ended up costing me somewhere between $2,000 and $3,000 in cash and computer hardware. I have spent several hundred dollars more in buying replacement equipment for the internet account switchover which happened today.  I also had to give up my claims of ownership to the partnership's main asset, and agree not to sue. For the next month give or take for a few hours a day, I also have to assist him in learning as much of my former job as possible. I am still unemployed. 

I'm not happy with this outcome. While it was predictable, it is not fair. This outcome is merely okay, I'd say.